Elementary Science

About Elementary Science
Resources
Program of Studies
Year at A Glance Documents
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

About Elementary Science

The Fairfax County Public Schools Elementary Science Program consists of inquiry based units that research has shown to be most effective for student achievement in science. The rigorous lessons include science process skills that develop students’ ability to think and perform like a scientist. They are designed to encourage children to investigate the nature of the world around them through participation in scientific investigations and develop ways to be environmental stewards. Kit materials correlate with the lessons so that students can have hands-on experiences to better understand science concepts. Then students are provided opportunities to apply this knowledge to solve problems and understand the nature of science. In addition to science trade books, sixth grade science textbook, and these hands-on kits, FCPS offers the Fresh Science DVD supplemental visuals and Discovery Education Video Library. Embedded technologies in the elementary science program include Weatherbug Achieve, Easy Sense Q5 Probeware, and microscopes.

The Elementary Science Program follows the Virginia State Science Standards of Learning which include the following science strands:

Scientific Investigation, Reason and Logic;
Force, Motion and Energy;
Matter;
Life Processes;
Living Systems;
Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Change;
Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems,
Resources

Kindergarten

In kindergarten Science, students learn concepts based on the Virginia Science Standards of Learning (SOL):

Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic
Earth Science
Life Science
Physical Science

SOL testing of kindergarten science standards occurs in grade 3

Virginia Department of Education Standards

1st Grade

In first grade Science, students learn concepts based on the Science Standards of Learning (SOL):

Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic
Earth Science
Life Science
Physical Science

SOL testing of kindergarten science standards occurs in grade 3

Virginia Department of Education Standards

2nd Grade

In second grade Science, students learn concepts based on the Science Standards of Learning (SOL):

Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic
Earth Science
Life Science
Physical Science

SOL testing of kindergarten science standards occurs in grade 3

Virginia Department of Education Standards

3rd Grade

In second grade Science, students learn concepts based on the Science Standards of Learning (SOL):

Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic
Earth Science
Life Science
Physical Science

SOL testing of kindergarten science standards occurs in grade 3

Virginia Department of Education Standards

4th Grade

. In fourth grade Science, students learn concepts based on the Science Standards of Learning (SOL):

Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic
Earth and Space Science
Life Science
Physical Science

SOL testing of fourth grade science standards occurs in grade 5

Virginia Department of Education Standards

5th Grade

In fifth grade Science, students learn concepts based on the Science Standards of Learning (SOL):

Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic
Earth and Space Science
Life Science
Physical Science

At the end of the fifth grade, students participate in SOL testing, allowing them the opportunity to show the array of knowledge and skills they have developed over grades 4-5.